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ASIA-PACIFIC AIRPORTS MAGAZINE
CONTENTS
Asia-Pacific Airports Issue 4, 2020
6 View from the top Director general, Stefano Baronci, reflects on ACI Asia-Pacific's Regional Board meeting and the success of ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation and Airport Carbon Accreditation programmes.
8 Regional news A snapshot of the biggest news stories from across the region.
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12 ACI Asia-Pacific news Communications manager, Samantha Solomon, rounds-up the latest news and developments from ACI Asia-Pacific.
16 Making history We celebrate the 60th anniversary of Dubai International (DXB) and reflect on its response to COVID-19 and planned future development. www.aci-apa.com
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CONTENTS 22 Striving for excellence In this exclusive Q&A, Hamad International Airport’s senior vice president for technology and innovation, Suhail Kadri, discusses his gateway’s IT strategy.
26 Big business Joe Bates turns the spotlight on AsiaPacific’s global airport operators and finds out more about the regional development plans of VINCI Airports and the Zurich Airport Group.
Asia-Pacific Airports (APA) www.aci-apa.com Editor Joe Bates joe@aci-apa.com +44 (0)1276 476582 Design, Layout & Production Mark Draper mark@aci-apa.com +44 (0)208 707 2743
APA Issue 4, 2020
Published by Aviation Media Ltd PO BOX 448, Feltham, TW13 9EA, UK Managing Director Jonathan Lee jonathan@aci-apa.com +44 (0)208 707 2743 Advertising Manager Jonathan Lee jonathan@aci-apa.com +44 (0)208 707 2743
32 Industry news News, views and reviews from ACI's regional and global World Business Partners.
34 Solar flair Asia-Pacific Airports takes a closer look at the development of a solar energy farm at Melbourne Airport.
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or 45.1% of global air passenger traffic
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VIEWPOINT
VIEW FROM THE TOP Director general, Stefano Baronci, reflects on ACI Asia-Pacific's Regional Board meeting and the success of ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation and Airport Carbon Accreditation programmes.
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he continued devastating impact of the global pandemic means that the world is in a very different place at the beginning of the new decade than it was at the end of the last. From a long stretch of continued prosperity, economic and traffic growth, our hard-hit industry is now desperately trying to regain its footing.
REGIONAL BOARD MEETING
Among its many impacts, the pandemic continues to affect people physically meeting up and attending events. As a result, the autumn meeting of the ACI Asia-Pacific Regional Board was once again held in a virtual format. Our Regional Board president and CEO of Changi Airport Group, Seow Hiang Lee, presided over the meeting, discussing the continued threat of COVID-19 to the airport business and the valuable platform ACI provides for the airport community to come together. In an update on the impact of COVID-19, the findings from a recently conducted member survey showed that travel restrictions have not eased in the region, thus largely constraining international travel. Quarantine remains widespread and PCR testing is proving problematic as at most airports testing capacity remains limited and APA Issue 4, 2020
space in the airport is constrained. Also, the wait time is more than four hours in almost three quarters of airports surveyed! If we look at the traffic statistics, the weekly tracker shows that in mid-November, passenger numbers across our region for the year-to-date were 71% down on the same period in 2019. This is an improvement on the -95% decline we experienced during the absolute low of April 2020, but the slower than expected upturn reinforces the sentiment that aviation faces a long road to recovery. In light of this bleak situation, we continue our collective efforts to advocate for an internationally agreed risk assessment framework and a risk-based, multi-layered approach to tackling COVID-19, including testing. We further maintain that pre-departure, rather than arrival testing, is preferable to ensure the safe movement of passengers who are ready to fly. Testing should also ideally be done off airport premises. The recently-announced agreement between Hong Kong SAR and Singapore regarding the launch of the region’s first air travel bubble (see page 10) is consistent with the approach advocated by ACI. Other states are urged to explore similar options based on the mutual recognition of processes and requirements for a safe passenger journey.
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PROGRAMME UPDATES
Incheon and Muscat had the honour of becoming the first airports in our region to be accredited under ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation programme. At time of writing, 20 more have joined from Australia, Bahrain, China, Hong Kong SAR, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Korea, Kazakhstan, Macau SAR, Maldives, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Philippines and Singapore. Forty more airports have signed contracts to begin the accreditation process. Despite the crisis, several airports continue to look beyond this challenging cycle, building today for a sustainable future. Demonstrating VINCI Airports’ strong commitment to fighting climate change, it has become the first international group to commit all of its airports to excel within the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme.
As part of this green initiative, Cambodia’s three VINCI Airports operated international airports of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanouk have upgraded to Level 2 Reduction in the programme. Meanwhile in Jordan, Queen Alia International Airport successfully renewed and extended its Level 3+Neutrality status in the Airport Carbon Accreditation programme to 2022. The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme recently added two new levels – Level 4 Transformation and Level 4+ Transition, and I am thrilled to say that Christchurch Airport in New Zealand has become the first in the world to reach the former and Delhi-Indira Gandhi International Airport is among the first on the planet to obtain the latter. These new levels extend the carbon footprint to include additional emission sources and tighten stakeholder engagements.
COMINGS AND GOINGS
To close out this last View from the Top of 2020, we are delighted to welcome three new members to the ACI Asia-Pacific family. Operated by the Adani Group of India, Ahmedabad Airport Limited, Lucknow Airport Limited and Mangaluru Airport Limited have now become members. Combined, the three new members served more than 19 million passengers in 2019. With the addition of these airports, ACI Asia-Pacific now has 117 members operating 604 airports in 49 countries and territories. I also have news of a departure as we are bidding a fond farewell to our valued colleague and deputy director general of Asia-Pacific, Ada Tse, who is leaving the association after an admirable ten-year tenure. She will be remembered by many members for her dedication and airport operational knowledge. On behalf of our team in Hong Kong and the Regional Board, we wish her well in her future endeavours. Finally, I’d like to wish you all a happy holiday season spent safely with your loved ones. It is our sincere hope that 2021 will allow us to reconnect in person. Ciao! Stefano APA
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We also welcomed the ICAO Council Aviation Recovery Task Force’s updated guidance for states in addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on air travel. The second edition of the ‘Take-off’ Guidance Document includes measures to help establish a globally-harmonised approach to health measures and testing. During the Board meeting, World Business Partner, AirBiz, updated members on the ACI World study on a Long-Term Carbon Goal for Airports. The study, conducted jointly by AirBiz and ICF, aims to set out an aspirational but achievable long-term carbon goal for ACI member airports. In our region, 17 airport CEOs participated in in-depth interviews sharing a wide range of views and concerns, and around 25 members participated in a regional workshop. The final recommendations will be reported to the World Governing Board in March 2021. In line with this activity, the Regional Board agreed to an ACI Asia-Pacific resolution to call on airports to move toward net zero carbon emission. This resolution will be presented at the next Assembly in March 2021. As possibly the most consequential threat to our planet, ACI Asia-Pacific and its members must continue to show leadership and determination to mitigate climate change.
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NEWS
NEW INDIAN AIRPORT OPERATOR The Adani Group has officially taken over responsibility for operating Ahmedabad, Lucknow and Mangaluru airports in India. It will also be responsible for managing and developing each airport and their respective infrastructure for the next 50 years while former operator, Airports Authority of India (AAI), will continue to handle services such as
security, customs, immigration and plant and animal quarantine. Adani, which harbours ambitions to become a key player in the Indian market, entered the airport business with Mangaluru on October 30, adding Lucknow three days later and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPI Airport) on November 7.
AIRFIELD UPGRADE COMPLETE AT SIHANOUK Cambodia’s Sihanouk International Airport recently celebrated the completion of the extension and renovation of its runway, an upgrade that will effectively allow it to handle direct long-haul flights operated by bigger aircraft. The airport, which serves as the gateway to the country’s main seaside resort, now boasts a 3,300m long runway, which has been strengthened and equipped with LED airfield lighting to allow it to accommodate aircraft up to the size of the B777-300ER and A350-100. Operator, Cambodia Airports, also notes that the $58 million upgrade should reduce the airport’s carbon footprint by reducing aircraft taxiing times. Alain Brun, CEO of Cambodia Airports, enthuses: “To sustain the development of Sihanoukville, an efficient airport system and increasing air connectivity are critical. APA Issue 4, 2020
“Upgrading the runway capacity provides new growth opportunities as airlines can operate bigger aircraft flying from/to more remote markets such as the European one.” Brun expects the runway to be commissioned in the last quarter of 2020, potentially allowing Sihanouk International Airport to gain the benefits of it as soon as passenger numbers pick up again. The airport has been one of the fastest growing in the Asia-Pacific region in recent times with triple digit annual growth over the last five years resulting in its throughout soaring from just 94,000 passengers in 2015 to 1.6 million last year. Sihanoukville, the city it serves, is described as a destination in the making with its deep-sea port and pristine beaches, attracting both business investors and tourists.
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NEWS
PIONEERING NEW E-GATES FOR HYDERABAD Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Airport has become the first airport in India to introduce e-gates for passengers boarding international flights. The gateway was the first to introduce paper e-boarding on domestic flights, and began trialling its new digital solution for international services – developed in-house by operator GMR Hyderabad International Airport Ltd (GHIAL), in October. GHIAL calls the move “a significant milestone in the history of Indian aviation”, noting that it is in line with the Indian government’s ‘Digital India’ campaign.
The new e-boarding service for international services is currently only available for select international flights of IndiGo Airlines, and if as expected it proves a success, will become an option for other airlines in the near future. Other scheduled international carriers operating out of Hyderabad are in the process of integration with the airport’s e-boarding system, which will be rolled out soon. GHIAL CEO, Pradeep Panicker, enthuses: “Leveraging tech-enabled solutions to continuously elevate the passenger experience is one of our key focus areas.”
NEW FIRST FOR MUSCAT Muscat International Airport in Oman has become the first airport in the Middle East to be accredited under ACI's Airport Health Accreditation programme. “We spared no initiative to ensure our passengers feel secure going through our airports,” said Oman Airports CEO, Sheikh Aimen bin Ahmed Al Hosni. “Planning and implementing the highest international standards of airport health and safety measures has been our top priority since the start of COVID-19 pandemic. “We adapted a proactive approach and we placed passenger peace of mind as the focal value of our airports. We highly appreciate ACI’s recognition of Muscat International Airport and we look forward to always raising our quality bar even higher!”
ACI Asia-Pacific director general, Stefano Baronci, noted: “Now that the Sultanate of Oman has opened its borders for international travel, passengers can be certain that every reasonable measure has been taken to protect their health and wellbeing.” ACI’s Airport Health Accreditation programme assists airports by assessing new health measures and procedures introduced as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in accordance with the ICAO Council Aviation Recovery Task Force recommendations. Areas of assessment for accreditation include cleaning and disinfection, physical distancing (where feasible and practical), staff protection, physical layout, passenger communications and passenger facilities. www.aci-apa.com
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NEWS QUARANTINE FREE TRAVEL BUBBLE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE ACI Asia-Pacific has welcomed the announcement of a quarantine-free air travel bubble between Hong Kong SAR and Singapore. The arrangement, open to all types of travellers, is a much-needed progressive step towards the recovery of the aviation sector. “This first-of-a-kind arrangement is a leading example of a risk-based approach that balances the risk of virus transmission with the need to re-establish connectivity based on a robust multi-layered approach of measures for the safety of all,” says ACI Asia-Pacific director general, Stefano Baronci. “We call upon governments in the region to take note and follow suit for the sake of the survival of the aviation industry.” The Air Transport Action Group (ATAG) estimates that approximately 26 million jobs supported by aviation across AsiaPacific and the Middle East are at risk because of the loss of connectivity caused by the COVID-19 crisis. Lee Seow Hiang, CEO of Singapore Changi operator, Changi Airport Group (CAG), notes. “This is a positive and important first step to travel recovery for leisure travel, to revive the Changi air hub. “In 2019, Hong Kong was among Changi Airport’s top routes for passenger traffic. CAG will work closely with both governments and relevant organisations to implement the necessary safeguards to ensure safe travel for the residents of both cities.” APA Issue 4, 2020
ACI analysis shows the impact of COVID-19 crisis for full year 2020 revenue as –55.1% for Asia-Pacific and –59.6% for the Middle East. Airport Authority Hong Kong CEO, Fred Lam, says: “Hong Kong International Airport is delighted that the bilateral Air Travel Bubble between Hong Kong and Singapore will commence on 22 November. “Although this appears to be a very modest start, it is the first of its kind and an important breakthrough which would hopefully pave the way for similar arrangements with other destinations in the near future.” ACI has repeatedly called for the safe re-opening of borders without quarantine by using a co-ordinated approach to testing, with authorities, in consultation with the industry, deciding on testing prior to departure or upon arrival and away or on airport premises. “The expectation of increasingly performant rapid tests will facilitate the introduction of accurate, cost-effective and simplified testing available to large numbers of passengers,” adds Baronci. “We encourage governments to mutually recognise test results based on a commonly-accepted protocol, preferably based on pre-departure tests, thereby saving the passenger the ordeal of being subjecting to multiple tests on a round trip. “We further call on states to bear the cost of these health measures in accordance with the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations.”
APA
Check & Fly App In accordance with ICAO Council Aviation Recovery Task Force (CART) and in alignment with joint EASA and ECDC Aviation Health Safety Protocol and ACI EUROPE’s guidelines.
New smartphone app which provides passengers with information about the health measures in place at individual airports around the world. Developed in partnership with members of ACI’s Airport IT World Standing Committee, Check & Fly app provides a way for airports to communicate to passengers directly to help them plan to travel, meet any requirements, and make their journeys smoother and more efficient.
The Check & Fly app is available on the Apple App Store. aci.aero/checkandfly
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Regional update Communications manager, Samantha Solomon, rounds-up the latest news and developments from ACI Asia-Pacific.
VIRTUAL WBP ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSES ROAD TO RECOVERY ACI Asia-Pacific recently hosted its first virtual roundtable event for the region’s World Business Partners, which provided companies from multiple disciplines with the opportunity to hear first-hand from airport leaders about their perspectives on aviation’s recovery from COVID-19. Executives from Dubai Airports, Kansai Airports and Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport covered a range of topics related to the events that have unfolded and the road to recovery. Reflecting on the past few months, Murali Varadarajan, the former senior vice president of operations for Mumbai International Airport Limited, said: “Communicating with our people, passengers and stakeholders was very important. “Initially there was a lot of confusion, so we constantly updated our website with real-time information. This is how we started to build passenger confidence.” While Kansai Airports’ corporate executive vice president and chief commercial officer APA Issue 4, 2020
non-aeronautical, Stephane Geffroy, explained how he believed digitisation can help operations. “Given the new normal of social distancing, it will be more difficult to accommodate people in our shops,” he said. “We are looking at a queuing management system so that passengers don’t have to queue outside a shop and receive an alert when they can enter.” Offering a final thought at the end of the roundtable, Eugene Barry, executive vice president commercial for Dubai Airports, commented: “We need to accept that many elements of this crisis are out of our hands. “Our industry, especially in this region, has been exposed to so many challenges in the past and we have built up the resilience and experience to deal with external shocks like this. I have no doubt we will emerge from this.” More than 40 World Business Partners and guests from 20 countries attended the roundtable.
ASIA-PACIFIC AIRPORTS MAGAZINE
PRESIDENT Seow Hiang Lee*
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT Emmanuel Menanteau
(Changi Airport Group Pte Ltd, Singapore)
(Cambodia Airports, Cambodia)
SECOND VICE PRESIDENTS SGK Kishore* HE Ali Salim Al Midfa
NADI’S AIRPORT HEALTH ACCREDITATION MILESTONE In November, Fiji’s Nadi International Airport became the first airport in the South Pacific and the 100th airport globally to obtain Airport Health Accreditation. Fiji Airports chairman, Geoffrey Shaw, said the award was a catalyst to build passenger confidence once air travel frequency resumes. “This recognition and international award deliver excellent news for Nadi International Airport and for Fiji as a whole,” he enthused. “A significant portion of our economy depends on tourism and with this ACI Airport Health Accreditation award, Fiji’s appeal as a safe destination will be amplified and provide a boost of confidence for international visitors.”
(Sharjah Airport Authority, UAE)
(GMR Hyderabad International Airport Limited, India)
SECRETARY-TREASURER Sheikh Aimen bin Ahmed Al Hosni*
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Tan Sri Bashir Ahmad Abdul Majid**
(Oman Airports Management Company, Oman)
(GMR Airports Limited, India)
REGIONAL BOARD DIRECTORS Mohamed Yousif Al-Binfalah (Bahrain Airport Company SPC, Bahrain)
Kjeld Binger* (Airport International Group, Jordan)
Geoff Culbert*
Chang Wan Son (Korea Airports Corporation, South Korea)
Akihiko Tamura (Narita International Airport Corporation, Japan)
Yoshiyuki Yamaya (Kansai Airports, Japan)
(Sydney Airport, Australia)
Kejian Zhang
Gert-Jan de Graaff
(Guangdong Airport Authority, China)
(Brisbane Airport Corporation PTY Limited, Australia)
Fred Lam* (Airport Authority Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR)
Quoc Phuong Nguyen (Airports Corporation of Vietnam, Vietnam)
WBP REPRESENTATIVE Greg Fordham (Airbiz Aviation Strategies Pty Ltd, Australia)
SPECIAL ADVISORS Suleiman Al Bassam
Yun Qin
(General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Arabia)
(Shanghai Airport Authority, China)
Videh Kumar Jaipuriar
Jean-Michel Ratron
(Delhi International Airport Ltd, India)
(Tahiti Airport, French Polynesia)
Xue Song Liu*
Dato’ Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh
(Beijing Capital International Airport Co Ltd, China)
(Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, Malaysia)
Nitinai Sirismatthakarn (Airports of Thailand, Thailand)
* WGB member **Regional Advisor on WGB
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ACI ASIA-PACIFIC REGIONAL BOARD
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DOMESTIC MARKET KEY FOR SHANGHAI AIRPORT AUTHORITY Shanghai’s Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) airports believe that China’s huge domestic market will provide their catalyst for growth and boost international traffic over the next few years. Discussing Shanghai Airport Authority’s strategy for recovery from COVID-19 with ACI Asia-Pacific, chairman of the board of directors, Yun Qin, said: “Shanghai Airport Authority took the initiative to visit airlines to discuss targeted service strategies, such as filling in the spare international slots with additional domestic flights, and launching multi-modal transport products in Yangtze River Delta to attract more air passengers. “The recovery of trans-provincial tourism during the summer holiday was taken as an opportunity to support the airlines by improving traffic capacity and stimulating market demand.” And the efforts clearly paid off as during July and August, passenger traffic on the routes between Shanghai and Sichuan, Hainan, Hunan, Henan, Gansu, Hebei, Qinghai and Tibet all saw year-on-year growth of at least 10%. “Thanks to the above efforts, domestic air routes of PVG and SHA resumed rapidly in August,” explained Qin. “The flight throughput of the two airports increased by 16.13% and 6.54% respectively, and
domestic passenger traffic returned to 99.57% and 94.55% respectively of last year’s levels.” Combined, the two airports in Shanghai have four passenger terminals, one satellite terminal boasting the world's largest single satellite building, and seven runways. The facilities ensure that between them PVG and SHA are capable of accommodating up to 120 million passengers and 5.2 million tons of freight per annum.
JOINT CALL TO SAFELY REOPEN BORDERS ACI Asia-Pacific has joined the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) and IATA in issuing a joint declaration highlighting their commitment to ensuring the safe recovery and future success of the air transport industry. Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic that has severely affected air travel and tourism this year, the declaration expresses firm support for ICAO's Council Aviation Recovery Task
APA Issue 4, 2020
Force (CART) guidance, which is the basis of the aviation industry’s risk mitigation measures aimed at safeguarding the safety and wellbeing of air travellers. The industry is committed to ensuring that air travel is safe and expresses its firm resolve to partner with governments to harmonise cross-border measures that will ensure safe, smooth and sustainable air transport, as well as quicken the pace of the restart of travel and tourism.
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ACI ASIA-PACIFIC NEWS
NEW AIRPORT CARBON ACCREDITATION FIRST FOR DELHI GATEWAY The Airport Carbon Accreditation programme has announced two new accreditation levels to bring the programme in line with the latest scientific and policy development in recent years. Level 4 Transformation and Level 4+ Transition are ambitious targets that align with climate change goals. And we are pleased to announce that Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) recently became one of the first airports in the world to reach Level 4+ Transition. “Achievement of the Level 4+ accreditation is a testimony of our commitment towards ensuring the sustainable development of IGIA,” said Videh Kumar Jaipuriar, CEO of operator, Delhi International Airport Limited. “Going forward, we will continue to develop best in class infrastructure and provide services using innovative and sustainable technologies. Our aim is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030.”
MAJOR MILESTONE FOR CHRISTCHURCH AIRPORT Christchurch Airport has taken a major step forward in its commitment to fight against climate change, becoming the first airport in the Asia-Pacific region and in the world to reach Level 4 Transformation status in ACI’s Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. The achievement is evidence of its continued efforts to align its carbon management strategy with the global climate goals. Stefano Baronci, director general of ACI Asia-Pacific, said: “We are thrilled to see Christchurch Airport becoming the first airport in the Asia-Pacific region and in the world accredited at Level 4 Transformation of Airport Carbon Accreditation.
“This achievement demonstrates the airport’s firm commitment to invest in a more sustainable future for aviation and for the region it serves. Without a doubt, it is a remarkable milestone at a time of unprecedented challenges for aviation. “For airports, it is essential to recover from COVID-19 in a more agile and sustainable way and Christchurch Airport is clearly leading the way in working towards decarbonisation. We hope other airports in the region will follow Christchurch Airport’s leadership.’’ Airport CEO, Malcolm Johns, noted: “We will continue to work diligently to build a more sustainable aviation industry in strong co-operation with our business partners.” APA
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AIRPORT REPORT: DUBAI INTERNATIONAL
Making history We celebrate the 60th anniversary of Dubai International (DXB) and reflect on its response to COVID-19 and planned future development.
C
elebrating successes is not something we have done much of in 2020, so it seems only right that we change that in our final issue of the year by turning the spotlight on Dubai International Airport (DXB), which recently marked its 60th anniversary. In typical under-stated fashion, operator Dubai Airports, was never going to make a big deal out of the anniversary, and the impact of COVID-19 on the world ensured that the milestone date of September 30 was marked by a fairly low-key ceremony. However, we believe it is worth taking a closer look at the milestone and DXB’s achievements since that opening day as it is a modern-day success story, literally growing from an airstrip in the desert to the world’s busiest international airport in six decades.
STEP BACK IN TIME
Driven by the vision of the then ruler of Dubai, HH Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, when DXB opened on September 30, 1960, it essentially had just a small APA Issue 4, 2020
terminal building and a 1,800 metre long runway made from compacted sand that was capable of handling aircraft up to the size of the Douglas DC-3. Its basic facilities and the fact that Dubai had very few visitors back then – all a far cry from the commercial hub and leisure and luxury lifestyle destination that we know today – meant that the airport handled just a few thousand passengers in its first year. DXB opened its first asphalt runway in 1965 – a year before the oil that would transform the Emirate was discovered off Dubai – and a number of small upgrades followed throughout the rest of the decade. These included the extension of the terminal building along with installation of navigational aids, airfield lighting and aircraft hangars for its handful of airline customers. New infrastructure in the 1970s included a three-storey terminal and the first ATC tower in the Middle East while the now asphalt runway was lengthened to 3,800m, new taxiways and apron were added and ILS equipment installed to allow DXB to handle aircraft up to the size of the B747.
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TRAFFIC GROWTH
Although undoubtedly a slow burner – DXB handled just 2.8 million passengers in 1980 and 12.3 million in 2000 – Dubai’s pioneering ‘Open Skies’ policy and the addition of facilities to match Emirates’ ambitions have ensured that the airport has been on the fast track to growth for much of the last 20 years. The airport broke the 40 million passengers per annum milestone in 2009 and in 2014 overtook London Heathrow to become the world’s busiest international airport when it welcomed 70.4 million passengers. It is a title it still holds today and Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths, sees no reason why his airport cannot hold onto its lofty status for years to come despite the fact that Dubai’s second airport, Dubai World Central (DWC), has also been welcoming passenger since 2013. The 86.4 million passengers to pass through DXB’s facilities in 2019 took its traffic total since opening to more than 1.1 billion passengers travelling on nearly 7.5 million flights between Dubai and 240 destinations in 95 countries across the globe. Commenting on DXB’s 60th anniversary, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Airports, says: “From the outset, DXB has been a catalyst for growth. Dubai International was born from the vision
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AIRPORT REPORT: DUBAI INTERNATIONAL
The construction of a second runway in 1984 was followed by the founding of Emirates airline 12 months later, and it is fair to say that DXB hasn’t really looked back since the latter as its home-based carrier is now one of the biggest airlines in the world with a fleet of over 250 aircraft that includes 114 A380-800s. Major new infrastructure additions since then have included Terminal 2 (1998), Concourse C (2000), Terminal 3 (2008), Concourse A (2013) – the world’s first purpose-built facility for the A380 – and Concourse D (2016). The airport notes that its history is replete with examples of forward thinking and aviation firsts. It was the first airport in the Middle East to feature a gated terminal, for example, and states that its e-gates opened in 2002 were the first in the region. Its pioneering ways continued in 2019 when it unveiled a 15,000 panel solar array – the largest at any airport in the Middle East – on the roof of Terminal 2, and earlier this year DXB opened a state-of-the-art Airport Operations Control Centre, which enables a collaborative approach to managing airport operations by providing information and analyses based on data collated from more than 50 systems fed by seven billion data points.
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AIRPORT REPORT: DUBAI INTERNATIONAL
of the late HH Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum who understood the vast potential of aviation and had the foresight to build the airport and promote an Open Skies policy. “That vision was carried forward strongly by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who effectively positioned Dubai as a global aviation leader. “DXB, which is at the centre of Dubai’s proud aviation history, is testimony to the fact that great things can be achieved through vision, forward-thinking, innovation, collaboration and hard work. “Over the next half a century, we will continue to strengthen our role in connecting the world and supporting the social and economic development of Dubai.”
PREPARING FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS
In line with the vision and strategy of UAE’s leaders, Dubai Airports is not resting on its laurels and is focused on furthering its progress in the next 50 years and beyond. “Each year brings new challenges and opportunities,” says Griffiths, who refuses to be downbeat despite the tough times endured by all in 2020 as a result of the global pandemic. “We continue to advocate for standard protocols around the world that are key APA Issue 4, 2020
to safeguarding passengers’ wellbeing and accelerating the recovery of international travel. The development of a rapid COVID-19 test on departure is one such solution. “While we are fully focused on managing our today, we have strongly set our sights on consolidating our leadership in the future. We are constantly exploring new approaches and technologies that can help us offer even more seamless, secure and rewarding travel experiences.” Dubai Airports is actively pursuing a number of initiatives to restore consumer confidence and enhance the travel experience, including airport interior design innovations, the use of single ID biometrics to facilitate contactless travel and an e-commerce platform that will bring added choice and convenience to travellers. “We will continue to work with the sector to boost consumer confidence and raise DXB’s capacity as traffic grows,” adds Griffiths. “While we can’t predict how long it will take for the industry to fully recover, I am optimistic that when the world will open up, the desire to travel will be stronger than ever. Dubai Airports and the entire aviation community here will be ready, just as we have been in the past 60 years.”
It’s time to focus on your professional objectives. Start by investing in your skillset today. LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT Airport Human Resource Management* Airport Strategic Recovery Plan
SAFETY Airport Safety Management System Implementation* ACI-ICAO Global Reporting Format Safety Risk Assessment ACI-ICAO Implementing Annex 14: Advanced Aerodrome Design and Operations* ACI-ICAO Aerodrome Certification* GSN 1 - Safety Management Systems GSN 2 - Airside Safety Operations GSN 3 - Emergency Planning and Crisis Management GSN 4 - Working with Annex 14 GSN 5 - Advanced Safety Management Systems
C U S TO M E R E X P E R I E N C E Security and Facilitation Passenger Experience Management
E CO N O M I C S Securing Financial Health for Airports Airport Non-Aeronautical Revenues Airport Concession Management
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AIRPORT REPORT: DUBAI INTERNATIONAL Dubai International is currently equipped to handle around 90 million passengers per annum, and although DWC will ultimately replace it, that won’t be for a while yet as the airport operator believes that it can raise the capacity of DXB’s existing facilities to 118mppa through continual investment in systems, processes and technology improvements. Indeed, the operator plans to raise airport’s DXB’s capacity to 118mppa by 2023 courtesy of the introduction of technologies such as Automated Border Control (ABC) SmartGates, the increased use of biometrics at customer touchpoints throughout the passenger journey – such as the self-check-in kiosks and contactless biometric path introduced recently by Emirates at DXB – and eventually the introduction of biometric single token travel. “The big focus is to make passenger processing more efficient by replacing a lot of the legacy technology and processes that really shouldn’t exist in today’s modern world,” notes Griffiths. APA Issue 4, 2020
IMPACT OF COVID-19
Like all airports, DXB is not alone in suffering a 2020 traffic downturn as a result of the pandemic, but arguably it is a step ahead of many other hubs in terms of its recovery due to its swift response to the virus. It was one of the first airports to conduct thermal screening and COVID-19 testing in support of the health authorities, for example, and also introduced “robust measures” such as deep-cleaning and sanitisation to alleviate customer concerns about air travel ahead of the resumption of scheduled services. While Emirates believed that it set new industry-leading safety standards when it introduced complimentary hygiene kits for its passengers in May that included masks, gloves, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitiser. As a result of such actions, DXB welcomed the resumption of scheduled international operations by 13 airlines in early July when it effectively re-opened for business to overseas visitors. Speaking at the time, Dubai Airports CEO, Paul Griffiths, said: “We have ensured everything is in place to welcome airlines from
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AIRPORT REPORT: DUBAI INTERNATIONAL
around the world back to Dubai as a growing number of bilateral agreements between countries conclude to facilitate the opening of borders and the gradual return of traffic. “Our ability to resume passenger operations has been enabled by the significant and early steps the UAE government took to tackle the threat of the spread of the virus, together with the robust health and safety measures in place at DXB, and the excellent advanced healthcare services available here in Dubai.” So, where are we at today in terms of the airport’s recovery from COVID and does he have any words of wisdom for other airport CEOs out there whose airports are struggling to survive the pandemic? Talking exclusively to APA in November 2020, Griffiths said that he believes that every crisis presents an opportunity, and the COVID-19 pandemic was no exception. “It’s an opportunity for the industry to take stock and consider whether the aviation business could be transformed by looking at the business model a little differently,” he said, citing travel retail as an example.
“Collaboration will not only be important but essential. For instance, integrating travel retail with the airline interaction in the air would enable the showcasing of products and services that we can offer on the ground during the course of an air travel journey. “Out of every crisis there’s always the silver lining of a new business model emerging to enrich and enhance customer experience. Lockdowns around the world this year have really bolstered the adoption of technology in the consumer space and I am quite confident that the industry can and will use this as an opportunity to actually change travel for the better in the future. “Today, we are working our way through the crisis and our recovery is well underway. DXB now serves 56% of the destinations, in 80% of the countries, and 62% of the airlines it did preCOVID-19. While those numbers currently translate to just over a million passengers in traffic every month, we are registering steady growth and focusing on our response to the changing needs of our customers as the travel scenario continues to evolve globally.” APA
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IT INNOVATION
Striving for excellence In this exclusive Q&A, Hamad International Airport’s senior vice president for technology and innovation, Suhail Kadri, discusses his gateway’s IT strategy. What is the philosophy/strategy of Hamad International Airport (HIA) when it comes to new technology? Our goal is to be the best airport in the world and this ambition ensures that we have harnessed the power of digital innovation and technology since opening to deliver a unique airport experience for our passengers and the type of operations you would expect from a true airport of the future. HIA has been relentless in terms of trialling and introducing innovative solutions that provide passengers with a holistic, smooth, and effortless airport experience; and helped transform daily operations. Any new technology HIA trials has to first and foremost be a candidate for addressing a specific business opportunity or a challenge that has been identified by our organisation in order to meet our tactical or strategic objectives. It is then trialled methodically to APA Issue 4, 2020
ensure that it delivers the desired business outcome and value. Our approach, and dedication, has allowed us to set numerous benchmarks for the aviation industry. Where are the world’s airports going in terms of new technology? The global trend is that passengers want a more streamlined and automated airport experience. We will undoubtedly see the role of biometrics, cloud and touchless technologies rising in the future and become the basis of new experiences that will also include wearables, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. In Q4 of 2019, IATA presented the results of its Global Passenger Survey, which showed that passengers are looking to technology to improve their travel experience, although many were concerned about the security of their personal data.
ASIA-PACIFIC AIRPORTS MAGAZINE
Can you provide some examples of IT innovation at HIA? The foundations for biometric enabled country-exit checks that were subsequently adopted around the world were laid at HIA in 2016, in collaboration with one of our strategic partners. HIA was also the first major hub to trial and advocate end-to-end journeys with a single biometric token; and contributed to several think-tanks in the initial stages to advance the solutions and define transition approach. We were also the first to extend this capability to voluntary touchpoints such as using facial recognition technology to identify passengers at wayfinding screens, whom we could then direct to their gates without them needing to touch anything. I believe that initiatives like this have helped create a wow experience at HIA. HIA has also worked with Google and Apple in the early stages of their Street View
IT INNOVATION
Biometrics are set to play a key part in creating seamless passenger experiences in the future. The aviation industry and governments are working together to understand and address privacy implications to ensure that biometric programmes respect passengers’ privacy and protect their data. Therefore, when we speak of biometric technology, usually blockchain follows. We expect that blockchain will eventually be used to change the way the different stakeholders in the aviation landscape use and exchange passengers’ identity and health information. Blockchain’s inherent architecture is designed to protect against the risk of unauthorised data update and use making it ideal to mitigate fraud and theft of critical identity data. In due course biometrics and blockchain will completely revolutionise the travel experience as we know it and hopefully replace paper based identity and travel/ heath credentials.
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and Indoor Positioning propositions, respectively, and we are very grateful for the support and strong partnership from the industry disruptors that have allowed HIA to lead some of these efforts in the industry. I would also be amiss not to mention the value of our close collaboration with other leading digital airports across the globe with whom we often exchange ideas and help each either at a bilateral level or through industry fora. Without doubt there is a vibrant ecosystem within our industry that enables and encourages digital innovation, and we are grateful to have received many industry and Qatar government awards and recognitions for our efforts. Has COVID-19 proved the catalyst for even greater IT innovation at HIA? HIA has made great strides in adapting to the ‘new normal’ shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic through the implementation of a variety of measures focusing on detection, prevention, and sanitisation. To immediately help curb the risk of spreading the disease, for example, HIA worked with its partner organisation that provides cabin baggage X-ray screening systems to develop a prototype for UV-C www.aci-apa.com
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IT INNOVATION disinfection of baggage trays that would seamlessly fit in with the existing tray return system. This is a great example of coinnovation with our partners in the industry supply chain, which we value very much. We also went a step further to ensure everyone’s wellbeing by investing in disinfectant robots, which are fully autonomous mobile devices emitting concentrated UV light, effective in eliminating the majority of infectious micro-organisms. On the detection front, HIA swiftly acquired thermal imaging cameras and placed them at all passenger and staff entry points at the airport to detect elevated body temperature and manage as per defined protocols. Going one step further, we also acquired Smart Screening Helmets for random monitoring. This is a portable, safe, and effective tool that enables contactless temperature measurements through use of infrared thermal imaging, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality. Given that the pandemic is affecting different areas of the world with varying intensities, we have also been focusing on how best to prevent the propagation of the virus as travellers from around the world come across each other and our employees at HIA. As a result, the airport has introduced a face mask detection system which utilises
artificial intelligence and computer vision technologies to automatically detect if passengers/staff are wearing masks at key entry points. This innovative solution was developed and deployed fully in-house within four weeks before commercial products appeared on the market. Our C2 security screening technology, mentioned earlier, also brings our passengers the peace of mind needed through the current unprecedented times. Deploying such technology, especially at the transfers security checkpoint, has assured our passengers that our airport experience is safe and secure to curb the spread of COVID-19. Do you think the pandemic will inevitably change customer facing technology at the world’s airports? While the pandemic has undoubtedly accelerated the digital transformation of some airports, the industry as a whole has been on an upward trajectory for years in terms of becoming faster, more operationally efficient, contactless and paperless. Biometric, and touchless technologies will certainly play a more prominent role in the future. Originally seen as a means for ensuring a better and more efficient airport experience, these technologies now have the added dimension of enabling health and safety requirements. APA
APA Issue 4, 2020
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GLOBAL AIRPORT OPERATORS
Big business Joe Bates turns the spotlight on Asia-Pacific’s global airport operators and finds out more about the regional development plans of VINCI Airports and the Zurich Airport Group.
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hile expansion hasn’t exactly been a top priority in 2020, all of the region’s global airport operators – those with equity stakes in airports in more than one country – remain actively involved in the worldwide market, with some even signing agreements to grow their portfolios in the near future. GMR Airports Ltd (GAL), for example, has committed to developing a new greenfield gateway at Bhogapuram in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh through subsidiary GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL). While although not based in the Asia-Pacific region, Zurich Airport Group has confirmed its intention to finance, build and operate Delhi Noida International Airport in India and France-based VINCI Airports, the world’s second biggest airport operator in terms of passengers handled APA Issue 4, 2020
across its network, has unveiled an ambitious new master plan for Sihanouk International Airport in Cambodia. Changi Airports International (CAI) World Headquarters: Singapore. Airports 100% owned and operated: None. Others: CAI, the wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Changi operator, Changi Airport Group (CAG), has a global presence. In Asia-Pacific, CAI has a stake in Fukuoka International Airport Co (FIAC), which operates Fukuoka Airport in Japan under a 30-year concession agreement; and a 15% interest in Luzon International Premier Airport Development (LIPAD) Corporation, the operator of Clark International Airport in the Philippines. In Brazil, CAI has a 51% share in the consortium responsible for operating Rio de Janeiro’s Tom Jobim International Airport (Galeão).
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GLOBAL AIRPORT OPERATORS
In Russia, CAI has a 30% stake in Basel Aero, the management company trusted to develop the airports of Krasnodar, Sochi and Anapa in Krasnodar Krai, and in January 2020, Sochi International Airport became the controlling shareholder in Vladivostok International Airport. In India, CAI has a 30.2% holding in Bengal Aerotropolis Project Ltd, which owns a greenfield airport and is developing a township in Durgapur in West Bengal. Elsewhere, in China, CAI holds a 49% stake in a commercial joint venture with Chongqing Airport Group, which develops the non-aeronautical business of Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. Plans to expand/reduce portfolio: CAI continues to monitor airport investment opportunities, while taking into account the global impact of COVID-19 on the aviation sector. The company is also exploring new business models but will remain focused on building its capabilities to stay ahead of the competition and ensure that it is well positioned to explore new business opportunities once the sector recovers.
GMR Airports Limited (GAL) World Headquarters: Delhi, India. Airports 100% owned and operated: None. Others: GMR has a 25-year operating concession for Mactan-Cebu International Airport in The Philippines in partnership with local company, Megawide Construction Corporation. On home turf in India, GMR Airports Limited (GAL) operates Hyderabad–Rajiv Gandhi and Delhi-Indira Gandhi airports – courtesy of 63% and 64% shareholdings respectively in operators GMR Hyderabad International Airport (GHIAL) and Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) – and is currently building Goa’s new Mopa International Airport, which will be operated by subsidiary, GMR Goa International Airport Limited (GGIAL), for the next 40 years after it opens in 2022/2023. In Europe, GMR is developing a greenfield airport at Heraklion on the Greek island of Crete in partnership with GEK Terna. Plans to expand/reduce portfolio: GMR Airports Ltd says that it will continue its strategy of becoming a “compelling and comprehensive airport company with strengths in developing, operating and managing airports in India and across the globe”. News: In June 2020, GAL announced that subsidiary, GMR Visakhapatnam International Airport Limited (GVIAL), had signed an agreement with the government of Andhra Pradesh to build and develop a new greenfield airport at Bhogapuram in India. The airport, which GVIAL would potentially operate for the next 60 years, will replace the existing airport at the civil enclave at Vishakapatnam Naval Airfield, which handled 2.78 million passengers and 4,400 tons of cargo in 2019. Speaking about the deal at the time, GMR Airport’s business chairman, GBS Raju, said: “In line with our past record of creating
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GLOBAL AIRPORT OPERATORS world class infrastructure, including the iconic Terminal 3 at Delhi International Airport, we aim to build a truly world class airport at Bhogapuram, which would be a matter of pride for the State of Andhra Pradesh and provide a further fillip to the economic potential of this region.” In terms of the bigger picture, Groupe ADP completed the purchase of a 49% stake in GMR Airports Limited for around €1.3 billion on July 7, 2020. Between them, GAL and Groupe ADP’s airports handled 336.5 million passengers in 2019. GMR Group chairman, GM Rao, notes: “The partnership with Groupe ADP is in line with GMR’s business direction to become a global airport developer and operator.” Incheon International Airport Corporation (IIAC) World Headquarters: Incheon, South Korea. Airports 100% owned and operated: Incheon International Airport in South Korea. Others: It has a five-year concession to manage and operate Terminal 4 at Kuwait International Airport. Plans to expand/reduce portfolio: IIAC refuses to speculate on potential targets. APA Issue 4, 2020
News: IIAC was reported to have been one of the parties competing to win the now seemingly on-hold concession to operate Podgorica and Tivat airports in Montenegro, and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, also expressed an interest in operating Kuwait Airport’s new Terminal 2, which is due to open in 2023. Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) World Headquarters: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Airports 100% owned and operated: Kuala Lumpur International Airport and 38 other Malaysian gateways that include the international airports of Langkawi, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching and Penang; and Istanbul-Sabiha Gökcen International Airport in Turkey. Others: Malaysia Airports has an 11% stake in GHIAL, the GMR-led operator of Hyderabad–Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in India. Plans to expand/reduce portfolio: No information given. News: MAHB has a management contract for the IT operations at Hamad International Airport in Doha, Qatar.
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GLOBAL AIRPORT OPERATORS
VINCI Airports With six gateways in Asia-Pacific and a further 40 across the world there is no doubt that VINCI Airports is one of the world’s biggest airport operators. Its Asia-Pacific assets are in Cambodia and Japan. In the former, it has a 70% interest in Cambodia Airports – operator of the three international airports of Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville – and in Japan it has a 40% stake in Kansai Airports, which is responsible for the growth and development of Kansai, Osaka Itami and Kobe airports. Elsewhere in the world the French company has airport assets in Brazil (Salvador); Chile (Santiago); Costa Rica (Liberia); Dominican Republic (Barahona, Puerto Plata, Santo Domingo x 2, Samaná x 2); Portugal (Lisbon, Porto, Faro and Beja on the mainland; Ponta Delgada, Horta, Flores and Santa Maria in the Azores; and Funchal and Porto Santo in Madeira); Serbia (Belgrade); Sweden (Stockholm Skavsta) and the UK (Belfast International and London Gatwick). In France – VINCI is based at RueilMalmaison just outside of Paris – it manages 11 airports, most notably in Lyon and Nantes. It holds a 31% stake in Aéroports de Lyon, the operator of Lyon-Saint Exupéry and Lyon Bron, and a 60% interest in Aéroports du Grand Ouest, the operator of Nantes Atlantique and Saint-Nazaire Montoir airports. In North America, VINCI Airports has an interest in five airports which include Orlando–Sanford in Florida (long term concession), Atlantic City in New Jersey and APA Issue 4, 2020
Hollywood Burbank in California (management contract). Despite a 68% decrease in traffic in the first nine months of the year, VINCI Airports has a sizeable portfolio of airports that normally handle more than 250 million passengers a year. It became the world’s second largest airport operator for passengers handled across its network when it completed the purchase of a majority stake in London Gatwick last year. Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and chairman of VINCI Airports, acknowledges that these are tough times, but points out that VINCI Airports’ model is based on the long-term and that the company has no interest in selling any of its assets to balance the books or pave the way for further investments. “We have confidence in our business model and will keep following the strategy that has brought us our success – prudent decision-making, buying assets at the right price, and a shared vision with governments and other key stakeholders to develop the potential of airports and make territories grow," says Notebaert. He also notes that VINCI Airports is committed to the sustainable development of its airports, assuring APA magazine that the company will keep advancing its sustainability agenda: “Sustainability is an essential factor for airport development. In 2016, we launched the airport industry’s first integrated environmental strategy and, as a result, we
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Zurich Airport/Flughafen Zürich Airport AG Zurich Airport confirmed its return to the region on October 7 when it signed the concession agreement with the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh to construct and operate Delhi Noida International Airport (DNIA). It will build and manage the airport on a 1,334 hectare site in Jewar, Gautam Budh Nagar, a district of Uttar Pradesh. The new airport will be fundamental to accommodate the expected flight traffic growth rates in the National Capital Region. The Swiss airport operator – through subsidiary Zurich Airport International – was selected as the preferred bidder for DNIA in November 2019, although COVID caused delays meant that the two sides couldn’t formally ratify the agreement until recently. Now, if all goes to plan, construction of the new airport in Jewar around 70 kilometres south of Delhi in the Greater Noida Area, will begin in 2021, paving the way for a first phase opening in 2024. According to Zurich Airport International, DNIA will merge Indian culture and hospitality with Swiss technology and efficiency. It promises that India’s newest greenfield airport will deliver quick,
GLOBAL AIRPORT OPERATORS
start 2020 with three carbon-neutral airports in our network and a significantly reduced carbon footprint,” enthuses Notebaert. “We are actively pursuing an ambitious strategy to further reduce the gross emissions of the airports we manage by 50% by 2030.”
efficient processes and excellent value for passengers, airlines and partners. Indeed, it notes that DNIA will operate as a fully digital airport, providing a safe and contactless travel experience and customised commercial offerings for passengers. DNIA will also be the first net zero emissions airport in its class, setting a new standard for sustainable aviation. Zurich Airport is expected to invest an initial €600 million on DNIA’s construction in exchange for a 40 year operating concession. When it opens, it will be equipped to handle 12 million passengers per annum. However, an ambitious development plan includes proposals to raise its capacity to 30mppa in phase II and 70mppa by end of the concession in 2061. In addition to the project in India, Flughafen Zürich AG currently has interests at eight airports in Latin America and the Caribbean (Belo Horizonte, Florianópolis, Macaé and Vitória in Brazil; Antofagasta and Iquique in Chile; Bogotà in Colombia; and Curaçao in the Lesser Antilles). Zurich Airport is also no stranger to India as with other partners it helped build and develop Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport before exiting the project in 2017. “Despite the coronavirus pandemic, Flughafen Zürich AG remains convinced of the long-term growth opportunities of the Indian aviation market,” said the Swiss global airport operator. “The signing of the concession agreement marks an important milestone in the development of the Noida International Airport,” said Daniel Bircher, CEO of Zurich Airport International (Asia). “In partnership with the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Government of India, Zurich Airport International looks forward to making this airport a major player in the Indian air transportation system and a benchmark for ease of use for passengers and logistic partners. “We are a committed and trusted partner for India’s growth, and see tremendous opportunity to invest and participate in India’s aviation growth story.” APA
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SECTION TITLE INDUSTRY NEWS
Industry news News, views and reviews from ACI’s Asia-Pacific and global World Business partners.
NEW GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP FOR PLAZA PREMIUM GROUP Plaza Premium Group has taken its Allways meet and assist service offering to another level by forming a strategic partnership with YQ Now, which has a presence at 600 airports in 140 countries across the globe. Plaza Premium Group founder and CEO, Song Hoi See, enthuses: “Our new partnership with YQ Now will allow us to offer the world’s largest range of airport hospitality services. We will be able to sell and bundle lounge and hotel access with meet and assist services, across different airports, extending our ability to take care of travellers throughout the airport journey, from departure to transit to arrival. “This partnership aligns with our commitment to Make Travel Better,
especially during the current circumstances when travellers are demanding more personalised services to ensure worry-free airport experiences.” Behzad Malik, commercial director (meet and greet services) for Plaza Premium Group, notes: “The partnership will enable us to build different product offerings both domestically and internationally to all passengers. “We have a strong track record in delivering first rate meet and assist services through our own brand, Allways Meet & Greet. Adding in YQ Now’s network will grow our sales channels significantly to more sectors including financial institutions, corporates and airlines.”
AUTO BAG DROP UNITS CONTINUE TO GROW AT NARITA Tokyo Narita now boasts 72 of ICM Airport Technic’s Auto Bag Drop (ABD) units across its four terminals with another 18 machines and 33 check-in kiosks set to join them early next year. The Series 7 ABD units currently in place are multi-lingual and described by ICM as “packed with user-friendly features” that are designed to improve the efficiency of check-in and bag drop times for passengers of multiple airlines. APA Issue 4, 2020
Jetstar Airways has become the latest airline to introduce the technology to its passengers, which the airport wants installed ahead of Tokyo hosting the 2021 Olympic Games. Next up, ICM in collaboration with NEC will introduce some biometrically enabled units as part of Narita’s ‘Face Express’ One ID path, which will use facial recognition technology to identify passengers as they make their way through the terminal and complete the security and boarding processes.
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INDUSTRY NEWS
WBP PROFILES
NEW LUXURY RETAIL OUTLETS OPEN AT CHINESE AIRPORTS Lagardère Travel Retail has opened eight Luxury Beauty & Fashion stores in China’s Shanghai Hongqiao and Shenzhen Bao’an airports. In Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, Terminal T2, Lagardère Travel Retail has opened six stores: Chanel Beauty and Accessories; Parfums Christian Diorl Givenchy; Shiseido; Gucci Watches & Jewelry; and Sandro. In Shenzhen Bao’an, Terminal T3, Lagardère Travel Retail has opened two stores with brand partners new to its portfolio in China: a 150sqm Cartier store; and a 134sqm Burberry Fashion store. It notes that domestic traffic has recovered quickly in China and believes that economic policies designed to stimulate domestic consumption are also paying off, with Chinese shoppers eager to resume travel and shopping, with a particular appetite for luxury goods. Eudes Fabre, CEO for North Asia at Lagardère Travel Retail, says: “China is an incredibly resilient market, it has been breathtaking to observe how fast domestic traffic has returned to pre-crisis levels, and how eager Chinese shoppers have been to come back to our stores. “The growth of the country’s middle class and its appetite for luxury brands has supported a sharp rebound in our business here. “I am pleased that we are able to build on our leading market position and in-depth understanding of the local travel retail market to partner with some of the world’s leading luxury brands to support their development in what remains an uncertain environment.”
AEROSCAPE SERVICES Location: Singapore Type of Business: Consulting & Management W: www.aeroscape.com Aeroscape was shaped as a consulting company, providing specialised services and solutions to aviation groups. Though the company’s core objective is to assist its clients in aviation-specific technical challenges, Aeroscape has evolved to support the other ancillary aspects of the industry, while still maintaining the primary focus. The design features of Aeroscape include technical aviation advisory, aviation-based market research, aviation-related advertising and training in the sphere of aviation. BRADFORD AVIATION ACADEMY Location: India Type of Business: Consulting & Management W: www.bradfordaviation.com Bradford Aviation Academy organises customised development programmes aimed at improving the overall competency of employees in the aviation industry. We own a dynamic and evolving system which is continually updated in order to cater to new developments in the academic, business and professional quarters. Our long-term vision is to emerge ourselves as a pioneering institution in the province of professional aviation career developments. SMITHS DETECTION (ASIA PACIFIC) Location: Singapore Type of Business: Equipment W: www.smithsdetection.com Smiths Detection is a world leader in products and systems to detect and identify threats to our freedom, safeguarding society against terrorism and criminality and protecting our emergency responders and armed forces. Its government regulated technologies detect explosives, chemical, biological and radiological threats, and narcotics and it has developed powerful X-ray screening systems to identify dangerous and illegal objects. Smiths Detection takes science out of the laboratory and puts it in the hands of security professionals. www.aci-apa.com
APA
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THE ENVIRONMENT
Solar flair Asia-Pacific Airports takes a closer look at the development of a solar energy farm at Melbourne Airport. A new 10 MW solar energy farm is taking shape at Melbourne Airport, which is set to produce enough clean energy to provide power to all four passenger terminals. The renewable solar farm will generate 16.8 GWh of electricity every year, which is almost 15% of the airport’s annual consumption needs. Once live in January 2021, the 10 MW project will be Australia’s largest ‘behind the metre’ solar farm at an airport, surpassing Brisbane Airport’s 5.73 MW installation. As technical advisor on the project, GHD, has been responsible for all design reviews of civil, structural and electrical items as well as targeted site visits since the project’s beginnings in late 2019. “By using solar power, Melbourne Airport will significantly reduce its carbon emissions and achieve cost savings,” says Alex Low, GHD’s project manager. “Because the system is ‘behind the metre’ and off the main grid, while the site is still close enough to the airport, they
will be able to provide their own power directly to the terminals.” Since the Australian Government announced its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 26 to 28% below 2005 levels by 2030, there has been an increase in renewable energy projects within utilities such as airports and water authorities across the country as they try and reduce emissions. “In the midst of the global energy transition, many companies are taking steps to decarbonise their operations where possible,” says Mike Atkinson, GHDs sustainability service line leader, Australia. "It is great to see more and more airports developing solar panel installations on site. "And while now is a very challenging time for the aviation industry, and Melbourne Airport is not as busy as it was pre-COVID-19, this is a good time to prepare for a cleaner, cost effective and more sustainable energy future.” APA
APA Issue 4, 2020
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